Enquiries:
 Ross Giles
 Club President
 0407 662 446
 rjgiles@virginbroadband.com.au


 Website Enquiries:
 Luke Tonkin
 luke@cronullacaringbah.com.au

 
 

Cronulla Caringbah Sharks
Rugby League Match Reports

Click on your team to go to their match report.
6 Green   6 Red   7 Red   7 Blue (1)   7 Blue (2)   8A   8C   9A   9B   10A   10B (1)   10B (2)
11B   12A   13A   13B   14A   14B   15B   16A   16B   U17   U19A   A Grade

 

6 Green   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Tim Piele 0448 410 892
: Eleanor Berze 0405 669 798
: James Healey

Saturday, 8 August 2007 -vs– Kurnell – Won 18 – 8

Today was a great win. Everyone played well with Lucas, Will, Paul and Damon
all scoring great tries. It was unlucky that Adam and Harry didn’t score. Bryce
and Patrick Who tackled and ran well all game. Blake was a great Dummy Half
as usual with Dion running hard all game. It was good to see them get up with
the win.

‘Man of the Match’ Bryce
‘Man of the Match’ Patrick
‘Encouragement’ Paul

Thanks Tim and James

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6 Red   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: David Whetu 9523 2447
: Cristy Parker 9523 9534
: Gavin Dunn

No report.

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7 Red   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Adam Hagan 9501 1567
: Aaron Sutherland

No report.

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7 Blue 1   Coach
Managers
Trainer
: Mark Knott 9527 6576
: Hayden Berry
: Luke Tonkin 9501 1456

Saturday, 4 August 2007 – -vs– De La Salle – Won 42 – 34

What a fantastic team effort against a side that was fired up. De La came at us with
everything they had and we repelled them with absolutely everything we had. What
a nail biting game the ball went from one end to the other. They scored and then
we would score. It was neck and neck until the last minute.

Our Man of the Match could have been the whole team but Ryan stood out with his
gutsy tackling and his stepping & fending attacks, which bagged him 4 great tries
and a conversion. Ben H played like a first grade player – winning the Achievement
Award for his non-stop crash tackles and great straight running. Benny also scored a
great try to add to the overall score.

Cooper pulled off some great defence and was so unlucky not to score a wonderful
try (being tackled just before the line and was judged as out). Bad luck Coop,
keep it going. Liam played his usual strong attacking game and was involved in
many try-scoring attacks. His hard running and football-thinking mind resulted in a
great try & a conversion.

Ben R tried his heart out and produced splitting runs into De La’s half followed up
with defence that shattered the other players confidence. Hudson who never takes
a backward step ran, tackled & backed up all day and spun the ball out from
dummy half with speed.

Girly Hodges & Shaun took the ball up with ace & agility & their defence shone
through at the times of need to help stop De La’s attack on many occasions. Not to
forget Tyler, who is suffering from the flu and scored the final try that made the difference.
He also made some good try saving tackles and scored 2 tries and converted
1 goal.

Guys everyone that witnessed this game, even the Ground Manager, all commented
on the high standard that the game was played at. Thank you guys you are
all real champions. See you all at training.

Mark

11 August 2007 -vs- Engadine – WON 26 – 4

Well guys - what a game! Engadine gave it to us but as usual we defended
and attacked beyond belief to overcome their aggressive game. Our defence
was the best I’ve seen all year. Time & time again we defended our try line,
with Engadine 10 metres out on 6 occasions, but only once they crossed for a
try. It was an absolutely wonderful display of front-on tackling.

The Man of the Match was Kyle (Girly) who again threw his body in the line in
every tackle he did and smashed the bigger guys in the Engadine team. Keep
it up mate, great stuff. The Achievement Award went to Tyler for his 3 tries and
his tireless defence, which had some Engadine players needing to be replaced.

Liam again was everywhere in attack and scored a great individual try by darting
from dummy half. Ryan had Engadine on edge with his smashing defence.
He also scored a bustling try and converted a goal. Shaun gave 100%, as he
has every game, and took on the bigger guys with great effect and kicked a
goal. Cooper & Hudson kept going all day, and even when injured, turned on
some great defence and attacking running deep into Engadine’s half.

Thank you also to Chad & Casey, from the 7B2’s, whom without their efforts and
great gamesmanship we surely would have struggled to win this match. Both
boys had already played a full match only an hour before and turned around
to back us up. Thanks guys.

This season has been an absolute beauty with us going through without losing a
game. Every player gave there most for their mates and played with fairness
and great teamwork. I have really enjoyed every minute of the season as
coach and hope you all return to play next season. Thanks guys you are all true
little champions to me & your families.

Mark

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7 Blue 2   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Nigel Moore 0419 203 630
: Craig Jones 9540 5754
: Grant Burbidge 9501 4899

No report.

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8A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Rod Gillard 0419 997 491
: Kim Newton 0418 245 680
: Jim Castles 0403 766 673

Saturday, 4 August 2007 -vs– St Pats – Won 12-6

I've heard coaches of various levels say coaching is a like riding a roller
coaster - who-ever coined that phrase was right on the money! In a great
game of rugby league, the boys played their hearts out for a much desired,
much sought after and much deserved win. Once again every player stood up
out their on the field.

All week at training we spoke about the importance of our defence, and the
importance of wrapping up the ball in tackles. The boys went out and did in
the game what we had trained for, and made me very proud of each and
every one of them. The game had everything, high tackles, lifting tackles from
St Pats, BIG hits, 2 drop-outs from us, a scrum, it was all happening! St Pats
threw everything they had at us, and the boys stood up and withstood it, and
were the better team on the day.

We skipped away to an early 6-0 lead thanks to a long range try from Nicholas
Gillard, Jesse Newton converted and the score stayed at 6-0 until the final
break. St Pats managed a try mid-way through the last third to even the
scores, but another great try from Nicholas Gillard, which he converted, sealed
a 12-6 scoreline which was to be the final score.

Our award winners were James Russell for another brilliant all round
performance, Harry Ashford - Cox for his excellent improved game, including
some rampaging hit ups, Toby Price who had a blinder of a game, Toby's
defence on St Pats' biggest player, (and I think the biggest player in the comp)
was admirable. Toby is well known for his massive hits in defence, but when a
monster from St Pats took the ball up, Toby continually cut his legs out from
under him, until he didn't want to run the ball anymore. Our Man of the Match
was Nicholas Gillard. Nicholas scored 10 of our 12 points, ran the ball with
determination, organised the defensive line and led the team around the
park. Nicholas had an absolute blinder and was the difference between the 2
teams - well done Nick!

Our hearts go out to Lachlan Smith who fell awkwardly in a tackle and suffered
a broken collar bone. Unfortunately for Lachie, and our team, it looks like he
will be out for the remainder of the season. Everybody would like to wish Lachie
a speedy recovery. Get well soon mate, we'll really miss you out there!

We now sit top of the ladder with 1 preliminary game to play, strap yourselves
in boys! We're going in to give this premiership a red hot go!

Rod

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs– Yarrawarrah – Lost 12 – 18

Once again we were treated to a very tough game of rugby league, and once
again our boys stood up and played their hearts out. Before the game I asked the
boys to leave nothing out on the park, and they certainly didn't. Yarrawarrah
skipped away to lead 12-0 at the first break. To their credit, the boys made a
decision to turn that around, and they went out and threw everything at
Yarrawarrah, but it wasn't to be on the day.

Our point scorers were Nicholas Gillard who scored a magnificent 50m try and
converted, Toby Price who smashed and bashed his way over the line, and Jesse
Newton who converted Toby's try.

Our award winners were Jesse Newton, for his excellent play as our "Little General"
at half, Kobi Markey for his brilliant display of defence, Tyler Fazer - Rigg also for his
solid defence, and our Man of the Match was Toby Price. Toby dominated in attack
and defence, pulling off some massive hits and often leaving a trail of destruction in
his wake. I can guarantee there are some very sore Yarrawarrah players at present.
Special mention also goes to Nicholas Gillard, who tried his heart out in attack, and
defence.

At the beginning of the season, we set a goal. The goal was for the boys to play
semi final football in their first competitive season, well guess what boys, we have
achieved our goal! Congratulations goes from me to each and every one of the
boys, I am very proud of all of your efforts.

Its been a long road to this point, now is the time for the boys to get out there and
really enjoy their football.

Rod

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8C   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Matt Whetters 9525 7642
: Erin O’Connor 9668 9614
: Luke Anderson 9525 9295

No report.

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9A   Coach
Managers
Trainer
: Simon Boylan 9527 1498
: Wendy Russel 9523 8739
: Brett Barnes 9501 5633

Saturday, 8 August 2007 -vs- Yarrawarrah – Won

A good win today for the boys that guarantees us a spot in the semi finals for the first
time – CONGRATULATIONS. It was great to see some of our “quieter” players stand
up today, with Reece bagging two tries, Jesse running hard and Willem also
showing what he is capable of. William tackled well and ran strongly whilst Mark
was unlucky not to bag a try off a kick. Jed also had a standout game today with 2
tries and Anthony was solid on the wing as usual.

Again today our goal kicking was fantastic, with “non regular” kickers Adam, Jed
and Reece all converting along with our top kickers to give us a perfect score. Our
ability to regularly convert our first 4 or 5 tries could really make the difference in
finals footy.

With a slight change to our game plan, we were sometimes caught a little out of
position but we will work on that this week and it will improve. In defence it was
great to see the boys taking on the field what we practised during the week and
getting off our line.

Let’s continue to improve this week against Bosco and get ready for a big effort in
the Semi’s.

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9B   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Jeff Hardy 9525 3836
: Michael Foskett 9523 6228
: Jason Anderson 9544 7631

Saturday 8 August 2007 -vs- Engadine – Lost 26 – 0

With our final game of the season, the boys were looking to finish on a high. They
certainly did not disappoint their fans. In blustery conditions they kept Engadine to
a 14-0 lead at half time, only to see the game slip away at the dying stages.
Excellent game from all the boys who again never gave up. MOM was Latrell, who
probably was our most improved player all year. Tackling award went to Kynan,
Blake , Daneo and Callum.

Well done guys on a good year and we look forward to 2008.
It was a very encouraging year for the 9B's as their results show 1 win and 11 losses,
however, the scores got closer and closer as the year went on.

All the parents should be proud of their boys as Jeff, Jason and I are. They are great
to work with and should improve out of site together next year.

Mike

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10A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Greg Hearden 0416 234 988
: Pam Whetters 9525 7642
: Adam Brown

Saturday, 4 August 2007 -vs– Gymea – Won 24 – 18

What a game. Gymea needed to beat us today to make the semis and we needed
to win to stay on top. The boys started really well with 3 well constructed tries to put
us in front 18-0. We looked in control but Gymea had other ideas scoring right on half
time and straight after half time to bridge the gap. A very good kick from Tyler and a
good bounce for Thomo had us up 24-12 then Gymea with the wind put on another
try to finish the scoring for the day. A big game for Curtis today and also Jake with
the 2 Jesse’s and Matt also playing strongly. Brad did some good things at 5/8 as
well. While our attack was very good we need to LIFT our defence to continue in the
finals. DEFENCE WINS GAMES!!! I know you can lift.

As this is the last Black Book for the season I would like to give a couple of big thank
you’s. To Pam ‘Management’ thanks for your help all season. To Adam our trainer thanks for all your efforts with the boys and thanks to our sponsors Caltex Lilli Pilli, Ungerer Australia and Green freight International.

Good luck to all the teams who have made the semifinals this season.
GH

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10B 1   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Colin Dodd 9544 4915
: Gary Lawrence 0438 636 685
: Peter Garland

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs– De La Salle – Won – 44 – 0

Well boys congratulations on taking out the title of minor premiers! This is an
achievement that you guys deserve.

Our team has showed some eye catching and exciting footy and we need to keep this
up to finish off the season.

Boys we need to focus and train hard now to get what we have been aiming for. Good
luck and keep working together.

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10B 2   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Kurt Malone 9668 9392
: Gary Lawrence 9527 5128
: Tom Wigger 9523 6948

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs– Como – Lost 30-12

A very hard game for the boys to finish our season. The boys gave it everything
from start to finish for a must win to keep our season alive – but it wasn’t to be.

Como scored the first try and then a second. Cronulla Caringbah hit back and
we into the break 24-12 in favour of Como. 5 minutes into the second half
Como scored a gain and after this it became a game of pride with some big
tackles by both teams with neither giving an inch. Even with a lose it was a very
proud moment to see the ‘never give up’ attitude of these boys.

Well done and congratulations to each of you for the season.

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11B   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Scott Porter 9527 7740
: Cathy Ismay 9520 6872
: Shane Weatherill 9668 9224

Saturday, 4 August 2007 -vs– Bosco – Won 40-12

A good effort in this game boys in a match that was a lot tougher and closer than
the final score indicates. A few players missing meant some positional changes
and the need to did deep.

Some big hits in defence by Leon had their big players running scared and
aggressive defence by Patrick meant they were on the ground a lot more. Che
was solid as a rock as always and there were some great individual efforts leading
to tries by Jack,Ben,Jesse and Oliver.

A strong effort in defence by Sam and Mat along with Ryan out wide was good to
see. Jordan did well filling in at halfback and it was great to see Dane with a top
off load setting up Mat’s second try.

MOM: Che (The AXE) Encouragement: Dane

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs– Aquinas – Won 52-12

Well done boys on finishing the season as minor premiers, but this is where the real
competition starts. The win over Aquinas was not one of our better displays
particularly in defence where we got into some bad old habits forgetting to keep
a straight line and hitting hard. Everything in this game was a bit slow and will need
to be lifted if we are going to give this comp a shake. Some individual efforts in this
game made the scoreline flatter us. Oliver scored a couple of good tries along
with Jack who scored and again saved a try in defence. Che saved us many times
again with solid defence and is leading the way.

Step it up at training and in the semis work hard together at the little things.
MOM: Oliver Encouragement: Ben Tackler: Che

Russell

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12A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Dean Smith
: Lee Whetterill 9668 9224
: Ben Spinner

No report.

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13A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Brendan Fearnley 9526 6069
: Brad Curry 9523 3420
: Simon Boylan 9527 1498

Saturday, 3 August 2007 -vs- Gymea – Won 14-10

This week the boys where at home against an always improving side from
Gymea. We trained well all week and the main focus was on being able to
come away with the 2 points in a close game as we knew this would be.
Gymea turned up just as we expected them to and they raced to a 6 nil lead
after only 1 minute of play. But as always our boys stayed positive and hit
straight back with 2 of our own. Unfortunately we took some really bad options
with our attacking sets and should have scored a couple more before half
time.

In the sheds we addressed this problem and in the 2nd half I was hoping to see
us play with a bit more width which once again did not happen. We will work
on this through the week. However our mental toughness and discipline got us
over the line which is great. A huge wrap this week to Jake Price who was
outstanding at front row. Great to see a young fellow with all the attributes of a
front rower in the 70's. Great work mate that was a massive game.
A good team effort boys, but I know you can offer heaps more and that's what
it will take if we are to go all the way.

De La next week boys, can't wait.

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs– De La – Won 12 – 0

This week the boys had another good win. It's always great to beat our rivals
from across the road. De La had nothing to lose as this was their last match of
the year. Unfortunately for them they ran into a red hot team who remains
unbeaten as we go into finals. We dominated all aspects of the game and
realistically the score could have been 50 if we had of executed a little better.
We wanted you guys to shift the ball to our outside backs.

You did this, however at times we gave the ball to a player who was under
pressure and in a worse position resulting in a few drop balls. We just need to be
a little bit patient. Defensively we were great keeping De La to donut.

Enjoy finishing the year as undefeated minor premiers. However as you and I
know this means nothing as we start our run into the finals. It is now time to really
lift the intensity with everything we do. I believe in you all and am looking
forward to the next couple of weeks and making sure I can get the best out of
you. It's on our hands, lets make the most of it. Standouts this week were Sam,
Ben, Rory and Sage.

Keep up the good work boys.

Fern

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13B   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Bruce Stuart-Watt 9501 2445
: Ange Psomadelis 9529 5892
: Douglas Catt 9525 9020

Saturday, 3 August 2007 -vs- St John Bosco – Won 24 – 4

Our opposition this week may well have been at the bottom of the competition
ladder, but they had a better defensive record than three teams above them
and not that far behind ours. This was always going to be a potentially difficult
game for our team to dominate, however we too displayed some solid defence
in restricting them to one try only. It was becoming obvious to our boys from the
outset that they weren’t going to find any joy by attempting to penetrate
through the middle of the paddock, so they did what they do so well as a team
but haven’t done it often enough – they eventually went wide and did so in
grand style. With a half-time score of 14-4, we still had a lot to do against a firedup
team striving for a win.

It was in the second half that our boys down-right refused to take a backward
step. Liam was inspirational through his determined runs, backed up strongly by
the whole team. Every player had a hand in keeping the opposition scoreless
throughout the second half. And that’s exactly what it was, one big team effort.
A fine try by Luke and another great try-scoring feast by Finn with four to his
name tells the story of the game – when the ball got out to the three-quarters,
Bosco struggled to contain our attack. Special mention of Finn’s effort –
although every try was a result of some fine teamwork including some clever
and nimble passing out to the wingers, he still had a lot of work to do on each
occasion before putting the ball over the line.

Next week you boys need to muster your strongest determination and intensity
of the season, from whistle to whistle, in order to correct the aberration which
occurred in our first game of the season. You need to do it for yourselves and for
your team mates. Good luck guys and play well.

Coach’s points went to Liam Garland (3 points), Thomas Wood (2 points), and
Finn Dublewicz (1 point).

Tries: Finn Dublewicz (4), Luke Pinder.
Conversions: Liam Garland (2).

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs- Gymea (1) - Lost 18 - 38

After the flogging we copped in our first competition game of the season, there must
have been a few nerves whilst preparing to again take on that same (and only
undefeated) team. And if compelled to choose just one game in which to play a
man down, this would certainly not be that game. Yet we started with twelve, but
with the courage and determination that has symbolised this team’s spirit, particularly
throughout the second half of the season, we played football to the final whistle. And
as a team, we were rarely outplayed. In fact, most tries against us were soft, runaway
tries by very large sprinters whom we simply did not attempt to tackle. Down by 6-18
at half time and playing one man down, the problem for the opposition and their
coaching staff was that we weren’t going away. In fact, we were more than
matching them in the centre of the park, notwithstanding their couple of very large
figures constantly bombarding our line.

Curiously, the opposition came out for the second half with a far more aggressive
theme around their game. In fact, a couple of our boys were fortunate not to have
sustained nasty injuries. It was obvious that our team’s parents were concerned; and
quite annoyed with the inaction of the officials. Back to playing football (which is
precisely what our boys were trying to do) – unfortunately, letting in three ridiculously
easy tries in the first ten minutes after the break had a few of us thinking we were
going to relive a less-than-fond scoreboard memory. Once again, those very large
sprinters running around our defence untouched and untroubled to the line
effectively ended any hope of an upset win for us. But just when you thought we
were about to lay down, our boys showed their fighting spirit by virtue of another two
tries – one a good team lead-up effort nicely polished off by Luke, and the other a
steal and runaway against the run of play by William whilst we were desperately
defending in our own half. Let’s have a perspective check - to lose that second half
12-20 with twelve players on the field, a couple of them limping, one with a sore
head, and one with a bloodied face, against a team whose presence in the B’s has
been questioned by many throughout the whole year, wasn’t a bad effort at all.

But this team has developed a courage and tenacity that has made us proud. We
need to remind ourselves that this was actually the first year of League for a number
of our boys. Sure, we just missed out on the finals. We also missed three consecutive
games due to bad weather, at a time when we had finally developed team
cohesion and were subsequently enjoying team confidence and a real momentum.
But the measure of this team’s performances throughout the second half of the
season will hold it in good stead for next year if this team can stay together. And to
our coach Bruce, a huge thank you from all the team and parents.

Alas, Pizza for the team gathering after the match and the coach’s final summary for
the season, revealing that his ‘most improved’ judgment goes to Luke. A popular
choice. Big thanks to the parents who helped out through the season, particularly
Wayne and Doug (trainers), Rhonda (scoring), Sue for her initial assistance and
ongoing behind-the-scenes work, and everyone else who ran the lines, helped out on
roster days, or came along and supported the team.

Coach’s points went to Joe Kane (3 points), Trent Tarbey (2 points), and William
Psomadelis (1 point).

Tries: Liam Garland, Luke Pinder, William Psomadelis.Conversions: Liam Garland (3).

Footnote: Thanks to all the hard-working people in The Club who make it all happen.
To all the Cronulla-Caringbah teams playing in the finals, good luck and play well.

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14A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Graham Jones 9523 0870
: Michelle Hearnden 9501 5548
: Joe Liccha 9548 0205 & Greg Hearnden

Saturday, 4 August 2007 – 14 A's Vs Bye

To all the Cronulla Caringbah coaches, managers and trainers:

Well, it's come to the end of the season and for some it's semi-finals and for
others it's the last game. Either way, we as a club have stuck together to be
a very passionate group of people for the kids that we are teaching to play
this sport. If you have taught every kid one thing about football we have
done our jobs and be proud of that. Let's support each other for the kids, it's
all about them.

To our side the mighty 14 A's it's time to let everyone know your names as you
deserve to be known.

"Catch Me If You Can" Stacey Morrell
" I Can Run Faster If I Want To" Guy Meogrossi
" I Hit You Like A Truck" Rea Pittman
"Captain Courageous" Scott Sorenson
" The New Kid On The Block" Joesph Drinkwater
" The Smart Kid" Michael Lichaa
" I'm Practicing My Passing" Bryce Hearnden
" The Front Rower That We Needed" Tom Fry
" I'm Practicing My Goal Kicking" Cameron Paddy
" Knock Them Down" Luke Brown
" I'm There For My Team Mates" Sam Waller
" Get Out Of My Way Or You'll Be Sorry That You Didn't" Jeremy Saville
" I Tackle Cars For Training" Blake Walker
" I Don't Care Where I Play On The Field" Fabion Hurst
" The Bench Mark Trainer" Ben Anderson
" The Thinking Kid" Blake Drysdale
" The Improver With Attitude" Jesse Watts

Let's go and finish what we started and win the prize at the top of the hill. I
know you can, so let's do it for your Club the mighty Cronulla Caringbah
SHARKS!

The Three Stooges, Jonesy, Joe and G.H.

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14B   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Rick May 9531 2502
: Ross Newling
: Paul O’Brien

Saturday, 4 August 2007 -vs– Aquinas – Won 28-6

The boys started positively with a great kick off from AJ, high and long. This of
course put their opponents right away on the back foot. But, just as I had predicted
before the match this would be a tougher game than last week, as the
sides were well matched both in size and skills. In fact, the first half turned out
to be a rather dour event with neither team dominating but thankfully our
concerted marker defence at the play the ball contained their attacking
play. But close to our try line we forgot the basics and didn’t get down low
and guard the line at the play the ball and allowed Aquinas over for what
was an easy try. However, late in the first half some good team work and individual
flare saw Jack go over for a well deserved try so that at half time the
boys went to the sheds equal on six points all.

I knew that we had the speed across the park and skills to prevail but in many
ways the hard part is convincing the boys of this and this is exactly what Rick
did at half time. In many ways this job is easy for the top teams as you are
dealing with boys that are already highly committed, but the real task is for
those coaches of the lower grades is to instil skills, courage, leadership, commitment,
dedication and mateship when it seems when you are all going in
different directions. I’ll say it now in print for the record, this team has what it
takes to make the grand final and prevail over what is widely viewed as a
team that was wrongly graded. But to do this they will have to dig deep and
find the hidden reserves, the talents of the whole team, not just the elite, but
of those members who have and I’ll say it again in print, “been coasting”. If
you want it, and you all have to want it bad enough, it yours’ and your team
photo will be on the clubhouse wall for generations to come.

The second half started well, and the other team though strong was getting
tired. This meant that those players who had a go and showed good attack
and running skills were rewarded with some great breaks, such as Ricky’s, and
of course some of those breaks were rewarded with tries. But perhaps the
most memorable moment was the break made by Jack who then passed the
ball to Chris who then passed an inside ball back to Jack who was backing
Chris up. This was a beautiful example of team work and of the rewards of
good training and backing one another up. Jack of course went on to score.

Next week we play Menai, the minor premiers. This will be our big test to see
just how far the boys have progressed as a team from the first round when we
were soundly beaten by them. It will also be a test to see how determined
each and every player is to stand up and be counted and assist the strong
and tireless running of Riordan and the cover defence of Adam.

Ross

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs- Menai - Lost 22 – 4

It was to Menai again that our brilliant boys travelled for another encounter
with the minor premiers, the second time this year I might add. Well, it was a
beautiful sunny afternoon and with a scheduled kick off at 3:10pm we had
arranged to meet at Akuna Avenue at 2:30pm in plenty of time for a prematch
warm up and talk. But wait, for the second time this year, and again
against Menai, the Junior League in its finite wisdom brought forward the start
time for the match, this time though without notifying us, but Menai, never the
less, had again been notified and was prepared. This meant that as soon as
we arrived at the ground the boys had to take the field. Not only that, there
was talk that if we did not take the field immediately we would forfeit the
match. I cannot begin to describe the sheer angst this brought, for the boys,
the coach and training staff, and the parents.

But to the boys credit, they took to the field as a team and showed to
everyone just how well they have developed and matured as a rugby league
team. Just to recap, the first time we played Menai we were soundly
defeated by 42 points to nil, with Menai crossing our line nine times, in what
was a demoralizing game. But, from the outset, the boys showed Menai they
had come to play rugby league, with vigorous defense to Menai’s strong
running and determined attacking play. At half time we were only two tries
and two conversions down and everybody was taking notice.

The second half continued in much the way of the first, but this time we
showed that we can also put the ball through the hands and come up with a
result, a marvellous try scored by Simon in the corner. At full time the score
was 22 points to 4 and although we lost the game, Menai had only managed
to cross our line with a result on four occasions. This I think shows the team can
be more than competitive in the finals. We may not have won on the score
board but in the hearts and minds of all the players and parents at the game
we were the victors.

Finally, I would just like to thank Rick the coach and Paul the trainer for a
marvellous effort throughout the season and wish the boys well in their finals
campaign.

Ross.

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15B   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Bruce Stuart-Watt 9501 2445
: Chris Thornton

Saturday, 4 August 2007 -vs- St John Bosco – Won 8-4

Absolutely superb!

Firstly, we had the sick players that had to play. Then in one of the toughest matches,
we had a climbing injury toll. Added to this, we played most of the game with 12
men.

Our defence was tremendous. We knew who the Bosco key players were & shut
them down brilliantly. We made Bosco play stupid football as they could not take
advantage of the extra player plus a heap of possession & territory.

To highlight this, Luke Nilson scored our second try as a result of an overlap when we
were one man down. In a game that was a virtual grand final, our most inspirational
plays were the tryline defence that held repeated Bosco raids right until the last
minute. Then it was too late. Great stuff!

The committment shown by the guys proves that we are fair dinkum grand final
contenders. We are winning games at the right end of the season & it is a
privelige watching these determined, wholehearted performances.

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs- Aquinas – Won 20-18

Congratulations guys! We secured third place & maintained a winning habit with
our fifth straight victory. But we were put to the sword by second last placed Aquinas
who were determined to finish the season on a high. Our lack of respect for the
football allowed the opposition to be camped in our terriroty for most of the game.
This is an aspect of play that has to be addressed this week.

The first half was a near disaster & this must have surprised Aquina's who couldn't do
better than a 12-6 lead. But in the second half we showed greater application &
finally Matt's second try saved gave us victory. Jack & James each crossed for tries &
Rhys landes 2 goals.

Rhys, Ryan & Peter were busy in defence while Brodie & Adam had good games.
James led the forwards impressively.

It's sudden death from here guys, so let's keep that focus & momentum.

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16A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Brendan Fearnley 9526 6069
: Sue Rennie 9523 9034
: Johnny Keyes

Saturday, 4 August 2007 -vs– Menai – Won 36-0

This week the boys were up against a side that could not make the finals
and were playing their last game of the year due to a bye next week. For
this reason we knew we had to be good if we were to come away with the
win. We trained all week to hopefully play with a bit more width than in the
previous weeks and for most of the 1st half that's what we did.

Unfortunately due to a lot of broken play we tended to force the pass and
came up with a lot of unforced errors. We need to be more patient and
build presser. Instead of trying to push the pass, we need to take the tackle
build pressure and look to score a couple of tackles later in the set. It's still
worth 4 points weather we score on the 1st tackle or the 6th. The 2nd half
was much the same.

On a positive note we defended real well after coughing up so much footy
which was good to see. James Russell was great along with Nelson and
Lachy who is finding some form after a few weeks off. However unfortunately
we have lost Duncan for the year which is a massive blow. Fingers crossed
for a speedy recovery mate. This opens the door for someone else to put
their hand up and lead the way. Hopefully all 8 or 9 forwards are able to do
so.

See you at training. Fern

Saturday, 11 August 2007 -vs– Aquinas – Won 32-18

In a game that I really believed would be one of the hardest we played all
year. The boys ran out victors. We were out sized and under manned and
once again played with a bare 13. This is very frustrating for me as a coach
and hopefully for the finals we will be all fit and raring to go.

True to the boys credit the 13 that were here today got the job done
securing the minor premiership. Well done boys. There were still a lot of things
that we could improve on which well be discussed at training But all in all I
am very impressed with the position we have got ourselves into. It was so
important to take some momentum into the finals but as with my 13A's enjoy
being minor premiers but realize it means nothing next week when we play
Yarra for a spot in the GF.

These opportunities don't come around too often, we must make the most of
them. I am sure we learnt a lot from last year and wont make the same
mistake.

A huge couple of weeks ahead, lets bring it home boys. Fern

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16B   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Dom Ruello


No report.

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U17   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Craig Bell 9526 5106
: Michelle Foxley
: Paul O’Brien

No report.

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U19A   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Craig Miller 9523 6206
: Scott Martin 9527 0990

No report.

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A Grade   Coach
Manager
Trainer
: Peter Malone 9668 9392

: Greg Royston 9501 1058

11 August 2007 -vs- Taren Point - Won 26-12

A great way to finish the season with a good win.

Unfortunately our fate was sealed with Engadine upsetting De La Salle
the next day, leaving us 1 point outside the top four. The boys showed
some real guts in the win. After the 1st 15mins being a bit of a
dropathon the boys settled and started making big in roads in the Taren
Point defence. Our try line defence was nothing short of outstanding
with us repelling numerous raids by Taren Point.

We went into the break leading 14 to Nil and the boys were all fired up
for a good 2nd half performance and they did not let us down. The one
thing I must say about this year was that we had a core of players who
always showed up and they can be very proud of their efforts you have
earned my highest respect.

Anyway bring on 2008 we will be a bigger and stronger Club.
Good Luck to all the teams competing in the Semi's do your club proud
but most of all do yourself proud and enjoy the experience.

Peter

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